Neal C. Brenna, 92, passed on May 12, 2025, from complications due to a stroke.

Neal Brenna was born on December 12, 1932, to Kenneth and Nora Brenna in Nashua

Montana and had two sisters, Fay and Myrna. Neal grew up along the hi-line, spending

time in Harlem, Havre, and graduating high school in Rudyard in 1950. After graduation,

Neal joined the Navy and served as a radioman during the Korean War. After being

discharged from the Navy, Neal returned to Havre and while driving down the street, he

noticed two young ladies pushing strollers down the sidewalk. It didn't take long for Neal

to know that one of those ladies, Patti (Patricia) Sleeter would be his forever partner.

Neal had three boys with Patti: Jim, Mark, and Ron.

Neal went back to school at Montana State University in Bozeman where he earned a

BS in Industrial Engineering. Upon graduating, Neal's father-in-law, Ralph Sleeter,

offered him a position at the Havre Laundry as plant engineer. Neal remained at the

laundry for the rest of his career, over 50 years, where he owned and operated the

company until his retirement in 1995. Jim and Ron both worked for Neal at the Havre

Laundry, and they eventually took over operations. He made a lasting impression in the

industry and was an integral part of the Havre Laundry being recognized as the

Montana Family Business of the Year in 1998.

Neal had many jobs over his 92 years but his love for the industrial laundry industry was

evident, serving as President of the Montana Textile Services Association. Neal was

also active in the community of Havre, serving in the Elks Club, Lions Club,

Toastmasters, Chamber of Commerce, and Havre-Hill County airport board. Neal was

an avid pilot and loved to fly at every chance. He also cherished the Montana way of

life, enjoying water skiing, camping, golfing, and hunting and fishing with family. Even

though Parkinson's Disease had taken away the ability to do all the things he loved,

Neal remained active well into his 80's and had a tremendous wit and wisdom up to his

final days.

Neal was proceeded in death by his wife Patti, adopted daughter Paula, and sister Fay.

Neal is survived by his three boys, Jim and Ron (Laura) of Havre, Mark of Lakeside

California, sister Myrna of Butte, 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous

nephews and nieces. Neal was an active member of the community, a mentor to many,

and an exceptional father and husband. He is deeply loved and his passing will leave a

hole that will be difficult to fill. A private ceremony will be held at a later date. The

Brenna family would like to thank everyone who knew him and made his life better.